Mechanical Work - GCSE Physics Definition

Mechanical work is the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a distance. In simple terms, when you push or pull something, and it moves, you are doing mechanical work on it. The amount of work done depends on the size of the force and how far the object moves in the direction of the force. We calculate work done using the equation:

Work Done = Force x Distance

Where:

• the force is measured in newtons (N)

• the distance in metres (m)

Remember, if the object doesn't move, or if the movement isn't in the direction of the force, then no mechanical work is done.